As the use of electrified vehicles grows, Toyota is prioritising the creation of a circular economy, particularly focusing on the batteries used in its vehicles. The company aims to establish a circular ecosystem for batteries, aligning with its broader goal of achieving carbon neutrality. Toyota’s approach includes developing resource-efficient and long-lasting batteries during their first phase of life, facilitating reuse in automotive or non-automotive applications during their second life, and ultimately recycling them in a sustainable manner.
Toyota is implementing the concept of “Battery 3R” – Reduce, Rebuilt/Reuse, and Recycle – to represent the circular path. The company is accelerating global efforts in collaboration with various partners and considering local battery production in each region. The goal is not only to support vehicle development but also to contribute to local communities.
The three components of Battery 3R are as follows:
- Reduce: Focus on waste reduction, including extending battery life.
- Rebuilt and Reuse: Batteries are given a second life as automotive batteries or reused in non-automotive applications like stationary energy storage.
- Recycle: Batteries are recycled to retrieve materials and resources for new battery production.
Toyota is actively working on reducing waste generation and improving the durability and longevity of batteries. It is also exploring new chemistries and structures for next-generation batteries. Additionally, the company is involved in initiatives such as large-capacity energy storage systems using used vehicle batteries and the inspection and rebuilding of used nickel-metal hydride batteries.
Toyota’s Battery 3R is part of its broader environmental strategy, emphasising initiatives for resource recycling, product durability, and waste minimisation globally. The company is committed to achieving its environmental goals, as outlined in the Seventh Toyota Environmental Action Plan – 2025 Target, aiming to maximise the collection and detoxification of end-of-life batteries globally.
